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Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road

Santee, California

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.32 miles

Elevation Gain

1109 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alex Seger

The most difficult, yet most alluring path to the antenna station at the peak of Cowles Mountain. With rewarding 360 views from San Diego all the way to Mexico, this hike definitely makes the list! 

Start by plugging 8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA into your GPS. This takes you to Big Rock Park, a convenient parking spot for the Cowles Hike. From here you want to walk through the park, and around the right side of the tennis court. This will take you to the fenced entrance to the hike. Head south for about a half mile( residential houses will be on your left for this small stretch) then link up with the trail that officially starts your hike. The trail is fairly well maintained, and easy to navigate, but the route is steep, rocky, and depending on the time of year you go, hot! The flora regrowing along the trail provides much needed shade at times, so take advantage of these areas for breaks! 

Continue following the trail for roughly 1.5 miles until you get to a service road. Turn right, and enjoy a beautiful, less strenuous mile or so hike up to the antenna station. Once at the top, rocks and boulders lining the edges double as natural chairs to sit back and enjoy the scenery. You have views of every single peak and mountain range in San Diego from this vantage point, so take some time to soak it all in! Once you've had your fill, head back down the service road(easier going down than up! ), and turn left back onto the Big Rock Trail which will take you back the way you came. Be mindful of the time, as the trail will get dark shortly after sunset, and more difficult to descend. 

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Features

Chillin
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Romantic
Scenic

Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road Reviews

It’s a difficult hike for an out of shape person! But it’s rewarding at the end, I lied that this was a road less traveled compared to the front of the mountain!

The description for this trail was very accurate. We hiked the backside of the mountain and did not pass many people on the way up. Beautiful views! JDxoAR

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

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